Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is correct. He has raised this issue previously. I will revert to him on it today or tomorrow at the latest, as I know the issue. I welcome his general support for primary care centres.

In recent weeks, the Minister, Deputy Reilly, and I have had the honour of opening additional primary care centres in different parts of the country. One could see the value their communities placed in them and the incredible services they provided. I opened one in Schull in County Cork, another in Blanchardstown recently and one in Summerhill, County Meath. One has been opened per month since the Government came to office. We receive a great deal of criticism. Some is justified, but much is not. I draw the House's attention to the amazing work that is being done in the primary care sector, particularly in the provision of new buildings. The housing of services under one roof obviates the need for people to travel long distances, as was the case in Schull, for services that should be available in their own communities. This kind of change is taking place in our health services and is valuable to communities across the country.

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